Thermal physics, 2014-2016

Lecturer: Prof. Ronen Rapaport

TAs and recitation lecturers: Nir Mandelker, Almog Yalinewich

 

Intro to probability theory; Stirling's approximation

State space example: paramagnetic model of N spins

Thermal equilibrium (microscopic view)

Boltzmann distribution and the partition function

Multi-variable functions; degrees of freedom and the equipartition principle

Laws of thermodynamics; thermal, mechanical and chemical equilibrium (macroscopic view); intensive and extensive properties; Gibbs-Duhem equation

Thermodynamic processes; quasi-static and reversible processes; heat capacity

Thermodynamic processes (continued); adiabatic atmosphere approximation; experimental measurement of internal energy for real gas

The Stirling engine; pressure waves and the speed of sound

Engines, refrigerators, heat pumps and the second law of thermodynamics

Thermodynamic potentials; Joule-Kelvin process; osmotic pressure

Stability of thermodynamic systems; Van der Waals gas

Phase transitions and coexistence